Delhi PWD to Appoint Specialized Horticulture Agencies for Roadside Greenery
In a strategic move to combat dust pollution and enhance urban aesthetics, the Public Works Department (PWD) in Delhi is set to appoint specialized horticulture agencies for developing green spaces along roads and central verges. This initiative comes ahead of the upcoming AI Impact Summit, scheduled from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, which will host global leaders and industry heads in the Capital.
Current Challenges and New Approach
Currently, the PWD's horticulture wing is responsible for creating such green spaces across the city's extensive road network. However, officials have noted that the work often falls short of expectations, with inadequate maintenance leading to subpar results. "The PWD maintains 1,400 km of road stretches, including flyovers, underpasses, and road corridors. Lakhs of vehicles use these daily, contributing to dust pollution. There is a critical need for end-to-end paving and developing green spaces on roads, central verges, and footpaths," explained a senior PWD official.
To address these issues, the department is shifting from its current division-wise tender system to a zone-wise approach. "To end this culture and beautify roads, the government has decided to float tenders zone-wise—covering Northwest, North, and South zones. This will allow one agency to handle both plantation and maintenance for an entire zone, enabling large-scale development of green spaces," the official added.
Implementation Timeline and Key Areas
The specialized agencies are expected to be appointed for all 11 PWD circles by March. These agencies will focus on gardening, landscaping roadsides, and removing brown patches to improve visual appeal and environmental health. Key stretches targeted for this work include:
- Ring Road
- Mathura Road
- Airport Road
- Dhaula Kuan
- Raj Ghat
- Vikas Marg
- Mehrauli
Additional Green Initiatives and CSR Participation
Beyond roadside greenery, the PWD has ambitious plans to set up recycling plants that will convert pruned plant and tree waste into fertilizers. "This will later be used to plant more trees in other stretches," said an official. Additionally, the department aims to beautify 41 roundabouts by developing green spaces and has appointed consultants to enhance areas below flyovers and foot overbridges.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are playing a significant role in this beautification drive. Companies such as GMR, Indian Oil Corporation, DLF, and others are participating in projects to improve stretches like Azad Market to Inderlok Metro, as well as flyovers in Chirag Delhi, Punjabi Bagh, Mukarba Chowk, and Karampura. "Many stretches are set to be handed over to Dalmia, Vedanta, Dixon, Godrej, EaseMyTrip, ONGC, and others for upkeep and beautification," the official stated.
This restructuring marks a renewed effort by the PWD to ensure better monitoring and accountability in creating and maintaining green patches across Delhi's urban landscape, ultimately aiming for a cleaner, greener city ahead of major international events.
